A former co-worked informed me of a very helpful program, designed to help families that are struggling to make ends meet. I wasn’t sure what to think of Angel Food Ministries at first but I was definitely intrigued. It is no secret that we are struggling financially and this co-worker/friend had heard me on the phone many times trying to talk down our pharmaceutical provider and hospital billing departments. She was aware of our struggles. Her daughter is struggling too. She is a single mother of two that isn’t quite able to make ends meet. I’m not sure how, but she found the program and her mother was kind enough to share it with me.

Basically, local churches work with Angel Food Ministries to provide this service. AFM works with retailers to provide food at a discount. The food isn’t out-dated or even soon to expire. It is supposed to be enough food in one box to feed a family of 4 for a week. One box is $30.00. I typically spend about $130 for a week’s worth of groceries. I could get 4 boxes of “Angel Food” and still not spend what we spend in one week. I was skeptical about the quality of food, so for my first order in September, I only ordered 1 box. I picked up my box of food on Saturday and planned my menu around these items.

So, far, I’m not at all disappointed in the quality. For only $30 I received the following:

1.5 lbs Top Sirloin Strip Steaks
2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
3 lbs Breaded Chicken Chunks (Popcorn Chicken)
1.5 lb Boneless Pork Filet
20 oz. Supreme Pizza
1 lb. Ground Turkey
1 lb. Cheddar Cheese Bratwurst Sausage
1 lb. Green Beans
1 lb. Stir Fry Vegetables
35 oz. Crinkle Cut Fries
32 oz. Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf Stable Milk
7.5 oz. Macaroni & Cheese
15 oz. Pork & Beans
7 oz. Chicken-Flavored Rice & Vermicelli
1 lb. Pinto Beans
1 dz. Eggs
1 box Chocolate Chip Cookies

To top it off, 2 of the 4 members in our household are still young and not typically big eaters, so the food stretches even further. I’ll have some items to carry us over into next weeks menu. I think this is an awesome program and I’m grateful for the service!

Evie went in for her 1-year check up today. She was so good for the doc. He typically talks to the kids, plays with them a little before he gets started so they feel comfortable with him. He was talking to her when she leaped into his arms and gave him a hug. It was too cute. It didn’t take her long before she was ready to go back to Mom, but she never fussed and really seemed happy for most of the visit. We even pinned her down so the doc could dig out some hunks of ear wax and she didn’t make a sound. In fact, it kind of looked like it felt good.

So, she is a picture of good health. She is now off the charts on height and above average on weight. She is 32″ long. Seriously…the kid is over 2 1/2 feet tall and she’s only 1-year old. He is at 75% for weight at 23.1 lbs. She’s on target on all landmarks.

So, all went well until it was time for shots. Both Mike and I left with the same feeling. She’s a vocal baby. You can count on Evie to let you know if she is mad, disappointed or hurt…but now we aren’t sure if she’s ever truly been hurt. Neither of us have ever heard her cry like that before. It was really heart breaking. She had a low-grade fever when I put her to bed and she was a little fussier than normal after the shots, but seems to be well otherwise.

When I received a call from a very dear friend at 4:00 am this morning, I hung up the phone hoping and praying that it was just some horrible dream.

Without a doubt, THE nicest person I’ve ever known. Farewell friend. My heart aches for your loved ones left behind.